Don Martin

Although Don Martin was known for his strong work ethic and drive to succeed, those who knew him could plainly see that it was his deep love for his family that was his driving force. He was a man who threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did and in doing so, gives us all so much to strive for. Don was a kindhearted and generous man, he made a significant impact on the lives of so many within his reach. His legacy of determination, integrity, and compassion is one that his children and grandchildren will be proud to carry on for generations to come.

The 1920s were a vibrant decade colored by brilliant advancements that forever changed the way we lived our lives in America. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1927 that boasted of numerous noteworthy events including the opening of the Holland Tunnel, Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic in his Spirit of St. Louis, and the opening of The Jazz Singer, which marked the end of the silent film era. This was a year to remember for the family of Clad and Lyla (Patterson) Martin since it was on February 27th that they welcomed the birth of their son, Don. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Don was one of five children in his family including his siblings Kedwick Glenn, Francis, and Lois. He grew up in Richland during the Great Depression of the thirties that created great hardship for countless American families across our nation. Don attended local schools including Richland High School where he was the star catcher on the baseball team as well as a star guard on the basketball team.

Not long after graduating from high school in 1945, Don joined the United States Air Force Air Cadet program at age 17. He was discharged 28 months later with the rank of Flight Engineer.

After Don’s duty to his country was fulfilled. He was anxious to return home since he left behind a sweetheart who held a prominent place in his heart. Her name was Joan Utt and they met prior to his entrance into the military when she was just 14. It wasn’t long after he returned home that Don and Joan exchanged their vows on September 30, 1950.

Don’s successful career began at Plainwell Paper Company, a short time after he returned home. While working he attended Kalamazoo College and eventually graduated in 1956 from Western Michigan University with his Masters Degree in Paper Science Engineering. During this time, Don and Joan were blessed with their first of four sons, Garry, who was later followed by three more Martin sons, Greg, Randy, and Rob. Don’s career took him to many different locations in the Eastern United States. His 40 years of work included being the Vice President and General Manager of Plainwell Paper Co., President and C.O.O of Madison Paper, Madison, ME; Vice President and General Manager of James River-Berlin-Gorham Division, Berlin, NH; Vice President and General Manager of James River-Riegle Paper Division, Milford, NJ; and finally Vice President and General Manager of Mosinee/Wausau-Sorg Paper Division in Middletown, OH when he retired. Don worked hard to provide for his family so they could have many of the creature comforts that he went without during his formative years. He was a very driven and focused person by nature so these skills served him well in the workplace. Don was an effective leader whose management skills were second to none.

Although Don certainly worked hard, he took that same focus that made him such a success at work and brought it home with him, too. He always made time for his family and although he wasn’t verbal about his devotion and deep love for his family, his wife and children never questioned the way their husband and father felt about them. Don demonstrated his love for them in the things he did for them on both a large and small scale. As the years went by, family gatherings were always times Don treasured, especially when his family grew to include six grandchildren.

Retirement provided Don with more time to spend taking in so much of what life has to offer. He loved his retirement years and although he did some consulting work, much of his time was focused on enjoying himself with his family. Don could often be found out on the golf course, but his true passion was travelling around in their motor home. For 25 years, he and his family went nearly everywhere in the motor home, this included attending football games for Central Michigan, Saginaw Valley, and Olivet College. Don was also an avid coin collector.

Life became more difficult for Don and those who loved him in 2000 when he began acting a bit out of character. Over the weeks, months, and years that followed, dementia crept in and by 2006, it just shut him down to the point where he could no longer verbally communicate.

With so much love to give, Don Martin was a man who was as genuine as they come. He was kind, compassionate, and merciful – personality traits that can be so hard to come by. Don was highly successful according to the world’s measure, but it was his heart of gold for which he will be missed most. He embraced not only the joyous times in life, but those laced with sorrow, too, with both great strength and a fearless spirit. Although he was quiet by nature, Don’s actions spoke loudly to the extraordinary man who was loved by so many. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Don Martin of Portage died Wednesday January 12, 2011 in Portage. Don’s family includes his wife, Joan; children, Garry Martin, Greg (Jan) Martin, Randy Martin, Rob (Michelle) Martin; six grandchildren; Jenny Martin, Andrew (Brandi) Martin, Sarah Martin, Zachary Martin, Alex Martin and Nathan Martin and siblings, Kedwick, Francis and Lois. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Glenn. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held Monday, January 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the 1st Congregational Church of Otsego; 120 W. Morrell St. Otsego. Please visit Don’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photograph, sign his guestbook, and make a memorial donation to Hospice of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600).